AEE Strengthens Regional Partnerships During Strategic Meeting in São Paulo, Brazil

The Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) held a strategic meeting in São Paulo, Brazil with key leaders across government, utilities, industry, and the energy services sector to advance a shared vision for accelerating energy efficiency across Latin America. Participants included ANEEL—the national regulatory agency responsible for overseeing Brazil’s electricity sector and administering major programs like the Energy Efficiency Program (PEE); ENBPar—the federal holding company for nuclear and binational energy assets and a collaborator in national modernization initiatives; ABRADEE—the association representing more than 99% of Brazil’s electricity distribution market and a central implementer of efficiency investments; ABESCO—the national association of ESCOs driving the growth of Brazil’s energy efficiency services market; WEG—a global leader in motors, automation, and electrification technologies; and members of the AEE Brazil Chapter. Together, these organizations brought diverse expertise from policy, regulation, technology, and market implementation—creating a powerful platform for strengthening ties, sharing lessons learned, and shaping a coordinated action plan for the region.

During the meeting, Leonardo Barreto from ENBPar gave an overview of Brazil’s longtime commitment to energy efficiency and the important role the Procel Industry Program has played since its founding in 1985. Through system optimization, energy audits, and the development of manual and computational tools, PROCEL has helped drive major national savings—22.1 billion kWh in 2022 alone. Leonardo also addressed Brazil’s evolving policy landscape, the need to update efficiency methodologies, and structural barriers that still slow progress, such as data gaps, limited laboratory infrastructure, and the need for more financial instruments. He emphasized the importance of a “virtuous cycle” in public policy—labeling, consumer endorsement, and minimum performance standards—to transform the market and maintain lasting efficiency gains.

We also heard from Lindenberg Nunes Reis of ABRADEE, the Brazilian Electricity Distributors Association, which represents 41 of the country’s 53 distribution companies and 99% of consumers. He provided insights into Brazil’s rapidly changing electricity market as a series of federal ordinances expands consumer choice. Medium-voltage customers have already gained access to competitive suppliers, with full low-voltage market opening expected between 2026 and 2028. Through this transition, ABRADEE remains focused on ensuring a sustainable distribution segment that delivers reliable, affordable power to all Brazilians.

Industry perspective came from WEG, a global leader in electric motors and electrification technologies. WEG shared how its focus on energy efficiency, operational excellence, renewable energy, and electric mobility aligns with a vision to be recognized worldwide as a benchmark in motors, generators, and electric controls. Their approach—combining the flexibility of a streamlined business structure with the capacity of a global company—positions them to meet growing societal and economic demands with efficient, integrated solutions.

AEE closed the meeting by sharing who we are, who we serve, and how our programs and services, including globally recognized certifications, support the workforce needed to drive energy efficiency forward in Brazil and beyond. AEE has 240 active certifications, 58 active members, and two active chapters in Brazil.

AEE’s CMVP program is accepted under ANEEL’s Normative Resolution, No. 920 of February 23, 2021 which approves the Procedures of the Energy Efficiency Program – PROPEE and regulates investments in energy efficiency to be carried out by electric energy concessionaires in Brazil, in its Module 8 – Measurement and Verification of Results (determines the procedures for a reliable evaluation of the energy benefits obtained with the projects) establishes the obligation to have a Measurement & Verification Plan in energy efficiency projects. Thus, the various electricity concessionaires existing in Brazil, when executing their programs, use the so-called Public Calls to capture energy efficiency projects with society, obligatorily requiring the Certification in Measurement and Verification (CMVP) in addition to scoring better a project when the professional has relevant certifications, such as the CEM – Certified Energy Manager.

This strategic meeting reaffirmed AEE’s commitment to collaboration in Brazil and across Latin America. We’re inspired by the partnerships taking shape and energized by the collective momentum. Building the future starts locally, and together we are advancing a more efficient and sustainable energy landscape for all.